Tom Boerwinkle Obituary

CHICAGO (AP) - Tom Boerwinkle, the former Chicago Bulls center who had a franchise-record 37 rebounds in a 1970 game against the Phoenix Suns, has died. He was 67.

Bulls spokesman Tim Hallam said Wednesday that a family member informed team officials of Boerwinkle's death, and the University of Tennessee issued a statement saying the former Volunteers player died Tuesday at his home near Chicago after a lengthy illness.

The 7-foot Boerwinkle, drafted fourth overall in 1968, averaged 7.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 10 seasons with the Bulls from 1968-69 to 1977-78. He also worked as an analyst on the team's radio broadcasts from 1991-94.

"We were all heartbroken this morning to learn of the passing of Tom Boerwinkle," said Steve Schanwald, the Bulls' executive vice president of business operations. "In addition to being one of the Bulls' all-time great players, Tom was one of the kindest men you would ever want to meet with the ge ntlest of souls. A true gentle giant who made great contributions to the Chicago Bulls' organization on and off the court."

Boerwinkle, from Independence, Ohio, averaged 11.4 points and 9.2 rebounds at Tennessee, helping the Vols win the 1967 Southeastern Conference title. As a senior in 1967-68, he averaged 15.2 points and 11.3 rebounds.

"Tom was a once-in-a-lifetime guy," former Tennessee teammate Bill Justus said in a statement released by the university. "When you meet a guy like him and have him as a teammate, he becomes a brother to you, and there's no replacing someone like that. Despite his sheer size and presence, he was as genuine and loyal as can be. That's not just me saying that. Those are the sentiments of many, many of his former teammates."

CHICAGO (AP) - Tom Boerwinkle, the former Chicago Bulls center who had a franchise-record 37 rebounds in a 1970 game against the Phoenix Suns, has died. He was 67.

Bulls spokesman Tim Hallam said Wednesday that a family member informed team officials of Boerwinkle's death, and the University of Tennessee issued a statement saying the former Volunteers player died Tuesday at his home near Chicago after a lengthy illness.

The 7-foot Boerwinkle, drafted fourth overall in 1968, averaged 7.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 10 seasons with the Bulls from 1968-69 to 1977-78. He also worked as an analyst on the team's radio broadcasts from 1991-94.

"We were all heartbroken this morning to learn of the passing of Tom Boerwinkle," said Steve Schanwald, the Bulls' executive vice president of business operations. "In addition to being one of the Bulls' all-time great players, Tom was one of the kindest men you would ever want to meet with the ge ntlest of souls. A true gentle giant who made great contributions to the Chicago Bulls' organization on and off the court."

Boerwinkle, from Independence, Ohio, averaged 11.4 points and 9.2 rebounds at Tennessee, helping the Vols win the 1967 Southeastern Conference title. As a senior in 1967-68, he averaged 15.2 points and 11.3 rebounds.

"Tom was a once-in-a-lifetime guy," former Tennessee teammate Bill Justus said in a statement released by the university. "When you meet a guy like him and have him as a teammate, he becomes a brother to you, and there's no replacing someone like that. Despite his sheer size and presence, he was as genuine and loyal as can be. That's not just me saying that. Those are the sentiments of many, many of his former teammates."

Guest Book Highlights

"I knew Tom at the University of Tennessee when he dated a friend of mine. He was 7 ft 1/4 in and I was 4 ft 10 in. He was a terrific person. A good friend. Obviously a fantastic basketball star, but to me a good friend."- Gwendolyn Shamblin (West End, NC)

"I knew Tom from his days at Olympic Oil in Chicago. Despite being a hero in Chicago, he made others feel like they were the special ones. Warm, humble, quiet, funny - the kind of guy you'd want to be your friend. It is great to see so many others..."- Gary Babic (The Villages, FL)

"I well remember Tom's playing days in the NBA. Sad to know that he has passed away."

"Remember Tom at UT in 1966 when I served as manager for the basketball team. He always treated everyone well."- Robert Beightol (Roanoke, VA)

"I will never forget the gentle giant marching next to the shortest guy in B Company at MMI. Watching him bloom playing basketball was such a treat. God bless and comfort all of his family and friends. Mary Jo Shannon"

Other obituaries

Published in Chicago Tribune on March 31, 2013

Thomas F. Boerwinkle, age 67, at peace in Heaven March 26, 2013. Tom was born in Independence, Ohio to John G. and Katherine M. Boerwinkle on August 23, 1945. Loving husband of Linda F. Boerwinkle...
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